The NFL announced compensatory picks today, here is how the Ravens stacked up.
Today the league announced which teams will be receiving compensatory picks for the upcoming NFL draft. Compensatory picks were first introduced in 1994. They take in to account free agents lost and free agents gained in the past offseason. Last year, the Ravens lost three free agents, but also brought in two.
This year the NFL has awarded the Ravens with one compensatory pick. The pick will fall in the 3rd round at the 99th spot. Teams also have the ability to trade their compensatory picks if they choose to.
In recent years the Ravens have been known to lose a number of free agents. According to Jamison Hensley, the Ravens lead the league in compensatory picks awarded. The closest team to the Ravens, the Green Bay Packers, are 10 picks behind.
Five teams who've been awarded most comp picks (since system began in 1994): Ravens 48, Packers 38, Cowboys 37,... https://t.co/OD4cHkqOEq
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) February 24, 2017
There have been some key free agents lost over the years, but that comes with the territory. When you win, players want more money and will leave for other teams. The NFL is a business and it happens to every team.
It is frustrating that the Ravens could have not gotten more picks, but it shows that their free agent signings last season paid off. One pick is still better than no pick. Only 32 picks are handed out in total each year. In the past, the Ravens have put good use to their compensatory picks. Last season they were awarded three picks. One of the picks was used to draft running back Kennith Dixon in the fourth round. If anything, Ravens fans should be optimistic.